“Probably the worst piece of advice I’ve ever given to myself was when [in 2000] the Confederate flag was flying over the state capitol in South Carolina,” [John McCain] said. “And I decided that I would say it’s not an issue I should be involved in, that it should be decided by the people of the state of South Carolina. I knew it was a symbol that was offensive to so many people. And afterwards, I went back and apologized. But it was needless to say, by saying that I wouldn’t have anything to do with an issue like that was an act of cowardice.”
At an event in South Carolina yesterday, Newt Gingrich was asked by a town hall participant to offer his views regarding the state’s decision to fly the Confederate flag at the statehouse in Columbia. The woman’s question was met with a smattering of boos from the audience.
“I have a very strong opinion,” Gingrich said, prefacing his weak response. “It’s up to the people of South Carolina.” (He then qualified his answer by assuring that he is opposed to segregation and slavery.)
Gingrich elicited a rousing standing ovation and yells of approval from the audience.
Should we assume that sometime in late 2019 or early 2020, we will learn that Gingrich regrets having sacrificed principle for personal ambition?
Is Gingrich capable of true remorse? Will he reverse course tomorrow and suggest that we beam all confederate flags into space where they can be used as a warning against unwanted intruders?
You never know.
